Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A riverside promenade, royal architecture, and essential modern-history sites.

Daily budget baseline: $38 USD. Culture and history on a light budget

How much does a trip to Phnom Penh cost?

A practical midrange budget for Phnom Penh is about $38 USD per traveler per day. For a 7-day trip for two people, ground costs land around $416 USD before long-haul flights—usually cheapest in June, July, August, and September.

• Daily budget baseline: $38 USD / traveler
• 7 days for 2 people: ~$416 USD ground costs (2nd traveler ≈ 62% of daily rate, shared room)
• Usually cheapest: June, July, August, and September
• Busiest months: February, March, and April

Sample food prices

• Khmer red curry — avg $5.00 USD
• Bai sach chrouk — avg $2.50 USD
• Kuy teav — avg $2.00 USD
• Num ansom — avg $1.00 USD

Ground-cost planning assumptions dated July 2026. Use the calculator to personalize origin, dates, and group size. See how group size affects cost.

When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?

Travelers chasing value often prefer June, July, August, and September, but the sweet spot for conditions is typically November, December, and January. Expect denser crowds in February, March, and April.

What are the top things to do in Phnom Penh?

1. Royal Palace — Gilded royal residence and Silver Pagoda.
2. National Museum of Cambodia — Khmer art and sculpture collection.
3. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum — Former prison turned Khmer Rouge history site.
4. Sisowath Quay — Riverside promenade of cafés and restaurants.
5. Central Market — Art Deco market hall for shopping and food.

What's the food and dining like in Phnom Penh?

Must-try food in Phnom Penh usually includes Khmer red curry, Bai sach chrouk, Kuy teav. Typical plates below help you budget meals before you go.

• Khmer red curry — Coconut curry with lemongrass and beef or chicken. (avg $5.00)
• Bai sach chrouk — Grilled pork over rice, a classic breakfast. (avg $2.50)
• Kuy teav — Pork-and-noodle breakfast soup. (avg $2.00)
• Num ansom — Sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaf. (avg $1.00)

Estimate your Phnom Penh trip or open the general calculator